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WRA recently received information from a Wisconsin franchisee of a large, national multi-unit that has been targeted in what appears to be a scam involving Craigslist. Scammers need valid phone numbers in order to obtain pass codes to use when posting certain categories of ads on Craigslist and are using unusual methods to get these codes. Over 50 of the restaurant’s locations nationwide have been contacted in this scam, including two in Wisconsin.
While this scam is currently targeting multi-unit restaurants, it’s possible that independent restaurants could face a similar scheme.
The scam plays out like this:
- The restaurant gets a call from an individual claiming to be from the corporate headquarters’ marketing department and requests verification of contact information.
- The imposter then explains that the restaurant will soon be getting an automated call from Craigslist with a pass code and that code will need to be shared with the marketing department.
- Sure enough, an automated call follows from Craigslist with a pass code, which the imposter then calls back to obtain.
The pass code system is part of Craigslist’s efforts to reduce scams and spam (or junk) ads. Craigslist requires phone verified accounts in order for ads to be placed under their services heading. Con-artists are now searching for ways to find valid, working phone numbers for setting up services ads on Craigslist, recently targeting multi-unit locations.
To avoid being used in this scam, instruct your employees not to share any pass codes over the phone with anybody (even if the caller claims to be from corporate headquarters).
For more information on scams targeting the restaurant industry read the Wisconsin Restaurateur article “Schemes, Scams & Cons: Shining a light on the shady dealings of con artists”
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